LG Optimus G Pro Review: the phone-tablets are here to stay

It's bigger and faster and, in a lot of ways, better.

Phones keep getting bigger, and LG is playing the game like everybody else. Following in the footsteps of competitors like Samsung and HTC, LG announced the Optimus G Pro last month, a smartphone-tablet hybrid device with a 5.5-inch screen and a 1080p display. It’s certainly larger than its predecessor, the Optimus G, but its screen size isn't the only thing that's been beefed up. The Optimus G Pro is also the first phone from LG to feature Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 600 SoC, and the performance bump is noticeable.

While the “phablet” portmanteau has seen some overuse lately, these types of devices really do fit the criteria: a device that's approaching tablet-size territory, but you're supposed to use it as a phone anyway. The Optimus G Pro features a screen big enough to take notes with your fingers and read a novel on the plane, but it can also make phone calls and fit somewhat discreetly in your pocket—well, depending on your pocket. It won't be comfortable, but the Optimus G Pro's features might be worth sewing bigger pockets onto your pants.

Body and build

At 5.91 × 3.00 × 0.37 inches, the Optimus G Pro is only a few increments smaller in size than Samsung's Galaxy Note II, and it's about 13 millimeters bigger than the upcoming HTC One. It doesn't come with a stylus, either.

My tiny fingers had a difficult time using the device one-handed. The Optimus G fits wonderfully in the palm of my hand, but the Optimus G Pro feels like it will fall to the ground unless I grip it with tightly with both hands. When I’m out and about, I’m usually multitasking, carrying a hoard of things as I try to quickly get to my next destination. A phone that requires two hands just doesn't work for me when I'm in motion, and adding a case to protect it from a fall would add too much bulk to even think about sticking it in my back pocket.

Its chassis is definitely something to look at, though; the model that we reviewed features a slim, pearly white, 0.25-inch thick encasing with a glitter-tiled background—somewhat similar to the backing on the LG-manufactured Nexus 4. There’s a micro-USB port at the bottom of the device, a power button on the right, and a volume rocker placed halfway on the left side so that your index or middle finger (whichever finger you can get to reach around there, anyway) can quickly turn down that awful song that won’t stop popping up on your Pandora station.

You can use a spudger—or your nail—to pop open the back door and access the battery, SIM card, and microSD slot. The phone also features an extra button on the left-hand side that is programmable through the Android Settings menu.

Enlarge/ A glittery backside always brings all the smartphone users to the yard.

Display and Battery

Like its predecessor, the Optimus G Pro has an excellent 5.5-inch display. It spans out to the edge of the chassis, making it feel like LG did everything in its power to give its users the most screen real estate that was physically possible. The True Full HD IPS Plus display features a 1920×1080 resolution with 400 pixels per inch (ppi)—that’s less than the HTC Droid DNA, another 1080p phone, and the HTC One’s 468 ppi. Unfortunately, I did not have either on hand to do an apples-to-apples comparison.

Enlarge/ Reading the Hunger Games on the Optimus G Pro hardly caused any eye strain, despite its brightness level.

I usually abhor reading through my Kindle library on any backlit screen, but the Optimus G Pro’s crisp display didn't bother my eyes on the lowest brightness setting. I was able to read the screen outside on a bright day, even at medium brightness. The brightest setting on the phone may be a bit too bright for some, but you’ll find that even in sunlight it’s not entirely necessary.

Playing games was also quite a delight due in part to the Pro's wide viewing angles and crisp display. The Room, a point-and-click puzzle-solving game, can sometimes be too dark to play through on other mobile devices, but the Optimus G Pro’s massive screen made it feel like I was playing it on a larger tablet display. Even Plants vs. Zombies offered up enough room so that I didn't feel like I would accidentally place a plant on the wrong spot because the screen was too small. Some games, like 10000000, were tough to play because I'd have to hold the handset with both hands to reach the tiles. But overall, the display made for a pleasant experience while reading, watching Netflix, or playing a game.

Enlarge/ An episode of Sherlock is thoroughly enjoyable on the Optimus G Pro's 1080p screen.

That display is fueled by a 3,140 mAh battery pack (though this could change once the phone makes it to the US). The Optimus G was particularly economical about battery consumption, and the Optimus G Pro is no different. After being left unplugged for eight hours on standby, not one percentage of battery life seemed to have been consumed throughout the night (at least, not according to the battery percentage indicator). However, the battery meter does drain quickly while streaming video or perusing Twitter with the brightness setting all the way up. It took 20 minutes of Netflix streaming to burn through 10 percent of the phone’s battery life. After forty minutes of streaming, the phone had burned through 20 percent of its battery life.

It was surprising how much of a difference the brightness setting made, actually. At 37 percent of its full brightness level, the phone burnt through 6 percent of its battery after an hour and ten minutes of streaming. It then went through three hours of streaming music with only a two percent drop in power. If you play your cards right, you can get a lot of life out of this device in just a day. Fortunately, LG's huge battery helps power all of those brightly colored pixels, so at least you won't have to worry about your phone dying if you choose to stream a video on the train ride home from work.

54 Reader Comments

I hate to say it, but these days Samsung seems to be the better bet when it comes to updates and wide support from the community (if a Nexus device isn't an option for some reason). LG will have a hard time to ever get a leg up against Samsung, they will have to come with insanely great hardware and support, just a nice smartphone won't be enough here.

I really hope that Apple takes note of this trend and steps up with some sort of larger hybrid device. I've got the iPhone 5 right now and the narrow screen just makes the keyboard too small for me to type on properly. I'm 6'4" and have fairly large hands, so I can handle a larger device with no issue. I've been contemplating switching to a larger Android device for a while now, and devices like this or the Galaxy Note line of products are just what I am looking at.

To be fair, look how Samsung have changed in a relatively short period of time as it wasn't that the long ago HTC were the favourite amongst the molding community. I think the Nexus 4 is a big step forward for LG and android which potentially could change the balance considerably again. There was an article recently about samsung gaining too much influence with android but it's a double edged sword because anyone who decides they don't like the new samsung hardware can easily switch to a different android handset and keep much of the familiarity and any software they use.

I think this is the lg that isn't coming to the UK, I have a note 1 so I'm waiting to see what the note 3 offers although I'm concerned about rumours that it's going to grow to 6in and also that the S4 in the UK isn't getting the octo core platform. The lg is one of the few that appeals as an alternative for its removable battery (if I have understood the review correctly) and micro sd expansion.

I hate to say it, but these days Samsung seems to be the better bet when it comes to updates and wide support from the community (if a Nexus device isn't an option for some reason). LG will have a hard time to ever get a leg up against Samsung, they will have to come with insanely great hardware and support, just a nice smartphone won't be enough here.

The most important thing for LG is updates. They need to commit and stick to at least two years of support (2 or 3 major Android revision updates) in addition to their tempting hardware.

I don't think I'll ever buy another non nexus android phone, but right now the only manufacturer I can recommend to people that desire to buy a contract phone with most carriers is Samsung since they're currently the most consistent updater if you buy one of their flagship devices.

Nexus 6. They have to call it the Nexus 6. I will buy any phone, no matter how poor, if I get to drop the phrase "Well, I have a Nexus 6."

Quote:

I hate to say it, but these days Samsung seems to be the better bet when it comes to updates and wide support from the community (if a Nexus device isn't an option for some reason). LG will have a hard time to ever get a leg up against Samsung, they will have to come with insanely great hardware and support, just a nice smartphone won't be enough here.

LG does pretty good hardware, but my ownership of a Optimus Pad soured me on supportability. My only concern is the camera: it seems like, among the Android makers (or heck, among any handset maker on any platform) that only Samsung makes a really good camera (eg, one that can more-or-less compete with the iPhone). Sony seems like they might get close, but otherwise it seems like a pile of third-tier marques trying to push out monster specs with no thought to the whole experience.

I'd like to see an Android phone that sweats the small stuff like Apple does. Again, Samsung gets close with hardware, but shoots itself in the foot with software (why the unchangeable screen tap "bloop" sound? Or the S-utilities that don't always work and sport poor translations at that).

That said, I like the size. I have a Note 2 now and I find going back to a small phone a little disconcerting. The iPhone5 feels positively precious (and if it wasn't so damn capable I'd dismiss it entirely) and the S3 seem, well, rather "Why bother?", as does the BlackBerry Z10. Between the screen space and the battery life (my Note 2 makes it through the day quite comfortably---that's why I bought it) it seems like a good size. Heck, I'd go a size bigger---seven or eight inches---if they could make the stylus work like a handset.

Having an android tablet already that I like playing more graphically oriented games on, I don't feel the need for a 'phablet', I'd rather have a phone I can put in my pocket easily. My hands are just fine, it's my pockets that are the issue (keys and phone on one side, wallet on the other). I am not going to buy cargo pants just to cart my phone around :>

I have an LG Optimus V and it works fine for what I need.

Seems phone manufacturers are stuck in this 'rut' of bigger=better, but for phones I don't think so. I really don't need 1080p on a phone screen.

A phone that requires two hands just doesn't work for me when I'm in motion, and adding a case to protect it from a fall would add too much bulk to even think about sticking it in my back pocket.

Not a slam against Flo (this was a good review), but a question:

Has this form factor now proven popular enough now that a review of the form factor can be taken out of the reviews (unless it's a brand new form factor) with more focus on how well they work?

I suspect that people who are reading the review have an idea of whether they want a big phone / phablet or not, and aren't reading the review to decide if that form factor would work for them: they want to know how good the screen is and how well the phone performs.

How realistic are the results you observed for battery life? You write that the phone was an international model and you were unable to make calls — does this mean that there was no mobile data signal, it was all on WiFi? In my experience 3G (I'm sure the same goes for 4G) data is a battery killer, especially with weak/intermittent signal quality.

LG does pretty good hardware, but my ownership of a Optimus Pad soured me on supportability. My only concern is the camera: it seems like, among the Android makers (or heck, among any handset maker on any platform) that only Samsung makes a really good camera (eg, one that can more-or-less compete with the iPhone). Sony seems like they might get close, but otherwise it seems like a pile of third-tier marques trying to push out monster specs with no thought to the whole experience.

This says to me you haven't used a Nokia phone recently. And Sony makes great camera hardware, then cripples it with crappy software -- at least since they switched from Symbian/UIQ to Android. The P1i had an amazing camera for it's time period.

And Nokia's are basically in a class by themselves, especially with the optics and software. Some folks put bigger sensors than Nokia uses, but skimp on the optics, filtering out defects with software. That's just a ridiculous way to go, and results in the absurdly oversaturated crap that most smartphone cameras provide (looking at you, Apple). To the casual eye, the oversaturation looks good, as it makes colors POP. But they aren't accurate!

If we are commenting more on the form-factor than actual phone here (as seems to be the case) then allow me to add my two bits. I'm a tall guy with relatively big hands, went from an iPhone (3.5" screen) to Galaxy Note (5.3"), and now using a BlackBerry Z10 (4.2"). Out of all the different sizes I think the Z10 hits the "sweet spot". Granted I probably contributed to the Phablet Revolution by buying the first of its type, but when all is said and done I definitely prefer one-handed operation on a phone (even with big hands it's still too difficult to get away from mainly two-handed use on the 5"+ devices). And having it sit more comfortably in the pockets is also a plus!

Has this form factor now proven popular enough now that a review of the form factor can be taken out of the reviews (unless it's a brand new form factor) with more focus on how well they work?

I suspect that people who are reading the review have an idea of whether they want a big phone / phablet or not, and aren't reading the review to decide if that form factor would work for them: they want to know how good the screen is and how well the phone performs.

I think it should stay in the reviews. There doesn't need to be a debate about what screen size is right (save that for the comments ). But it's important to review how each phone feels: is it too wide? too tall? too thick or thin? too heavy or light? These are important items to consider in every cell phone, and they should be in every review.

And Nokia's are basically in a class by themselves, especially with the optics and software. Some folks put bigger sensors than Nokia uses, but skimp on the optics, filtering out defects with software. That's just a ridiculous way to go, and results in the absurdly oversaturated crap that most smartphone cameras provide (looking at you, Apple). To the casual eye, the oversaturation looks good, as it makes colors POP. But they aren't accurate!

This isn't actually true. There's been a number of recent, and camera-oriented, reviews of the iP5, SGS3, L920 and (usually) the One X, Nexus 4 and/or BB Z10. In just about every case, it's SGS3 or iP5 with comfortably better performance (Excepting the PureView 808, which is really a camera with a phone stuck onto it).

The Lumia does well in low-light, but that's really where it's forte begins and ends, and OIS didn't really seem to help video particularly much. In just about every other metric, it lags the iP5 and SGS3: detail, dynamic range, all of it.

I know it's fashionable to bash Apple as populist trash, but the iPhone 5 has a really good camera.

(ETA2: I actually do have a Lumia 900. I would have gotten an 920, but for the app ecosystem, battery and, well, the Note 2 had a better camera overall)

I think it should stay in the reviews. There doesn't need to be a debate about what screen size is right (save that for the comments ). But it's important to review how each phone feels: is it too wide? too tall? too thick or thin? too heavy or light? These are important items to consider in every cell phone, and they should be in every review.

It's a hard thing to quantify in a review, though: I find the Galaxy Note 2 to be a good size, but too rounded and slippery and I think Nokia absolutely nailed it with the Lumia 900. But I have really big hands (11" from pinky to thumb span) and most people find the Note awkward and the Lumia a brick.

But yes, it probably should stay in reviews, albeit more as a design consideration: is the phone heavier or lighter than it's competition, are the materials of good quality, etc).

Hand size is not the determining factor for a lot of us. Even us giants still have limited pocket space.

That depends what you wear. The pockets of holding in my jean shorts are big enough i can (slightly akwardly when sitting) stuff a 10" netbook into them. Although I've never tried, I suspect I probably could do the same with the dressier pants I wear to work (a 10" tablet went in easily). If you're a beanpole whose only giant attribute is your hands pocket space would probably be a major problem.

Hand size is not the determining factor for a lot of us. Even us giants still have limited pocket space.

That depends what you wear. The pockets of holding in my jean shorts are big enough i can (slightly akwardly when sitting) stuff a 10" netbook into them. Although I've never tried, I suspect I probably could do the same with the dressier pants I wear to work (a 10" tablet went in easily)..

Isn't this like saying "I can carry a 50 pound backpack easily"? Because: Yes, I can. But I sure as hell don't want to do this all day long.

That's just a ridiculous way to go, and results in the absurdly oversaturated crap that most smartphone cameras provide (looking at you, Apple). To the casual eye, the oversaturation looks good, as it makes colors POP. But they aren't accurate!

What? The iPhone has never been accused of being over saturated. That distinction belongs to the AMOLED crowd. And the iPhone 4S and 5 are consistently rated as having very good color accuracy.

I think it's still worth noting the size of a device and how comfortable it is in the hands from an ergonomics standpoint (e.g., rounded/hard edges, grippy/slippery back...). Certainly size-based comfort varies from one individual to the next, but readers should be able to read and understand from the author's description if her hand size is likely larger or smaller. Perhaps the author could make a very brief disclaimer to the effect of, "my hands may not be the same size as yours", but that seems almost understood.

For myself, a Note 2 is very easy to hold, but prolonged one-hand usage (e.g., reading websites during lunch) is likely to produce some strain. It fits in my pockets easily and comfortably, but certainly other people are likely to prefer tighter pants or have smaller pockets. Reviewers cannot account for all of the variance in people's sizes and clothing styles.

Hand size is not the determining factor for a lot of us. Even us giants still have limited pocket space.

That depends what you wear. The pockets of holding in my jean shorts are big enough i can (slightly akwardly when sitting) stuff a 10" netbook into them. Although I've never tried, I suspect I probably could do the same with the dressier pants I wear to work (a 10" tablet went in easily). If you're a beanpole whose only giant attribute is your hands pocket space would probably be a major problem.

I'm a beanpole with 2 giant attributes thus I wear pants that can fit gaming laptops.

"LG is playing the game like everybody else ..."? uh, not exactly, Flo. a few non-players come to mind. wouldn't normally nitpick, but that is your lede!

sure, there is a long term market niche for phablets. but there is also a minor fad around them right now, as various Android OEM's bring out new models to test the waters. let's wait see what's still selling two years from now when the hype is long over.

Practically all of my phone use consists of something else than voice calls, so a bigger screen is a godsend. I can't begin to describe how glad I am the race for the smallest phone imaginable is a thing of the past.

And I'm a small guy (173 cm, 58 kg) with bony fingers, but the SG Note II (5.5" screen) has been a revelation for me. Quite oddly, one-handed use seems easier than with smaller touch screen phones. Something to do with the size of touch targets, I suppose, since before "phablets" I thought Windows Phone bested both Android and iOS in one-handed use.

Living north of the Arctic Circle, I almost always wear some kind of jacket, so pocketability is not an issue either. Easily fits every breast pocket I've tried. I wish the touch screen worked with gloves, but I guess that'll come in the next iteration (since it's already in SGS4).

I get the appeal for this if someone is a late adopter or never got a 7 inch tablet. The idea of one device to do two--or three--is appealing. But the 5 inchers are too big for my stubby fingers I guess. They don't feel comfortable when I use them as a phone, and comfort is important for the device I plan to have in my pocket all day every day.

They just don't feel right. They "feel" like overkill. As they say though, all phones are not created equal. Plenty of people with big fingers are probably rejoicing in the news.

Florence Ion / Florence was a former Reviews Editor at Ars, with a focus on Android, gadgets, and essential gear. She received a degree in journalism from San Francisco State University and lives in the Bay Area.